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Mayor Gerald Williams Completes 3 Year CDI Training Program

Conway, Ark.-Mayor Gerald Jermarr Williams of White Castle, LA was among the 25 individuals who were awarded graduation certificates during the 31st annual Community Development (CDI) at the University of Central Arkansas on August 4, 2017. Mayor Williams completed all three years of the Institute’s program of study.

CDI trains community leaders and economic development professionals on how to strengthen their local economies and build communities. This is achieved by developing the ability of participants to identify community assets, set goals, encourage collaboration, and partnerships with stakeholders, and bring communities, organizations and businesses together to respond to a broad range of economic and quality of life issues.

The complete CDI experience is a three year program, with one week of training per year. Participants move through the program curriculum in cohorts, and are exposed to a comprehensive, applied approach to the field of community and economic development!

UCA is the birthplace for Community Development Institute, which started in 1987 in partnership with Entergy, Southwestern Bell, and ARKLA. Since that time, CDI’s have been established in Texas, Alabama, Idaho and Illinois, and a national governing and certification body, the Community Development Council, has been created.
We are proud of you MAYOR! Job well done!

About White Castle

OIL – The appearance of oil and gas dates back to 1901 in the White Castle area. Oil and gas were an important contributing factor to the community’s early economy.

CYPRESS – As early as 1856, a saw mill was erected on Lone Star Plantation near the settlement of White Castle. White Castle Lumber & Shingle Company came in existence in 1889 and gave birth later, to the White Castle Cooperage Company.